Note: In a career context, all numbers are restricted between 0 and 5. However, in a match context, the numbers are not restricted. For simplicity, we are changing the scale here in the report and expressing every Match Impact number as a percentage. The maximum percentage (100) is assigned to the highest impact player of the match. All other players in the match are scaled relative to him. Negative Match Impact indicates that not only did the player not contribute in the match, but he also had an adverse effect on his team’s chances.​​

South Africa tasted their third successive series triumph Down Under following a commanding win – by an innings and 80 runs – over Australia in Hobart on Tuesday (15 Nov).

For his decisive effort in the first innings – one that set the tone for the match – Vernon Philander finished as the highest impact player, and bowler, of the second Test.

Leading the attack in the absence of Dale Steyn, Philander tore through Australia’s batting order – claiming a five-for in the process (5-21), including three top/middle-order wickets. His quick strikes, combined with his highly economical bowling, kept the hosts under constant pressure as their innings folded for 85.

Later on in the game, Philander’s cameo with the bat – a 28-ball 32 – helped the visitors extend their lead but it was Quinton de Kock – the highest impact batsman of the match – who then took centre stage.

de Kock’s century (104) was the highest score of the match by far and he featured in a 144-run partnership with Temba Bavuma (74). The pair ensured South Africa had a considerable lead.

Man of the match Kyle Abbott was the fourth-highest impact player, and second-highest impact bowler, of the Hobart Test. He claimed nine wickets across both innings (3-41 and 6-77), including five top/middle-order scalps, but finished with a lower impact than the trio above because their efforts all but ensured the result.

Steven Smith played a lone hand with the bat (48 and 31), absorbing pressure and building partnerships, and finished as Australia’s highest impact player – ahead of Josh Hazlewood who claimed six wickets (6-89) including three top/middle-order victims.

While both teams had five players apiece who failed in the match, Australia were comfortably outplayed by the combined high impact efforts of the other six South Africans.